Use the Internet.
One great tool is MeetUp.com, a website that connects people with shared interests. There are hundreds of MeetUp groups in big cities and small alike, catering to people who like to go to movies, take photographs, discuss politics and even hunt for ghosts. And if you don’t click with a group, there’s no obligation to return.

And Facebook isn’t just a way for you to let the world know your taste in music and movies. Once you join your regional network, scope out your close friends’ profiles and see if they have any friends living nearby. You can ask your buddies to set you up on blind friendship dates.

Craigslist is another good place to find groups of people—check under the “events” or “activities” sections. After moving last year, I found a young women’s advocacy group on Craigslist. That night, I went out to their monthly happy hour.

Get Moving.
Working out at a gym will let you feel confident and give you a chance to meet people. At the gym, you can strike up a conversation with the girl on the next-door elliptical about the evil new Pilates instructor. Organized athletics hold potential, too. My coworker Melonyce joined a women’s running group after she moved to our city. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow runners. Also, kickball and dodgeball aren’t just for sixth-grade gym class anymore. They’re hugely popular with young professionals, and the games are pretty low-pressure. Visit the World Adult Kickball Association at kickball.com to find a team near you.